Sediments from the Kalbadevi Bay,
Ratnagiri collected during January, May and October have been studied for
processes responsible for the observed grain size variations and heavy mineral
distribution. The study shows transportation
of loose sand fractions from
shallow depth (< 5 m) during the SW monsoon and deposition in deeper depths (>10 m) during post-monsoon.
It is further inferred that the E-W trending depression in the central part of
the Bay partially controls the sand distribution. Clay accumulation in the Bay
begins after the culmination of monsoonal effects. Distribution of ilmenite
appears similar to that of magnetite. Pre- and post- monsoonal changes in the
distribution pattern of heavy minerals show that fine to very fine
particles (< 62.5 µ) of magnetite and ilmenite have maximum concentration (14 to 26 % and 14 to 29 % respectively) in
the month of October (post-monsoon). This may be due influence of strong currents in the Bay after the culmination of
SW monsoon.